Good Sportsmanship

Good sportsmanship means playing by the rules and treating everyone with respect. It means being a gracious winner and a good loser. Sports are more fun when everyone shows good sportsmanship.

What Good Sportsmanship Looks Like

Good sports follow the rules and do not cheat. They congratulate the other team when they win. They do not brag when they win or throw a fit when they lose.

Good sports encourage their teammates. They say nice things like, Good try, or Great job. They help players who fall down, even if they are on the other team.

Why It Matters

Sports teach you about life. You will not always win, and that is okay. What matters is that you try your best and treat people well.

Kids who show good sportsmanship are more fun to play with. Coaches, parents, and other kids all respect a good sport.

Fun Facts

• The handshake after a game started as a way to show you were not holding a weapon.
• The Olympic Creed says the most important thing is not winning but taking part.
• Many sports have fair play awards that celebrate good sportsmanship.

Did You Know?

In soccer, players often exchange jerseys with opponents after a game as a sign of respect and good sportsmanship!